Wales name squad for New Zealand tour

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London - Captain Sam Warburton was named in a 35-man Wales squad on Tuesday
for their forthcoming match against England and subsequent tour of New
Zealand, but Leigh Halfpenny was absent.

Flank Warburton has not played since injuring his shoulder playing
for Cardiff Blues last month, while Toulon fullback Leigh Halfpenny has
been out since damaging his knee against Italy last September.

The experienced squad will tackle England at Twickenham on May 29
before playing three Tests against world champions New Zealand, as well
as a match against Hamilton side, the Chiefs, in June.

"We have picked a squad that is packed full of experience for what is
going to be a challenging, but exciting five-match campaign," head
coach Warren Gatland said in a Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) press release.

"We will be facing the Six Nations champions at Twickenham first up
and that will be an important start to the tour and will set the tone
for the weeks ahead.

"We will have a bit of time together when we land in New Zealand
before the first Test, then it's into three Test matches against the All
Blacks plus a mid-week match against the Chiefs."

As well as Halfpenny, Cardiff wing Alex Cuthbert and Ospreys flank Justin Tipuric also missed out due to injury.

But Scarlets centre Scott Williams and Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones both returned after spells on the sidelines.

Halfpenny, 27, had been scheduled to make his comeback in mid-April
and was included in Toulon's squad for the European Champions Cup, but
he is still to return to action.

At the weekend, Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal warned that Halfpenny
would not be paid by the club if he went on tour with Wales.

Gatland has not called up any uncapped players, despite youngsters
such as Ospreys back Sam Davies, Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Elliot Dee
and Cardiff flank Ellis Jenkins being touted for inclusion.

"It is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves, build on the
World Cup and the Six Nations and it's a challenge we are all looking
forward to," Gatland added.

"We are in a great position in terms of the experience in the squad,
especially when you look at the age of most of the players, and this is
going to be another important summer."

Wales reached the quarter-finals at the World Cup, narrowly losing to
South Africa, and finished second to England in the Six Nations.

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